The Bible is clear that we are surrounded by hosts of supernatural beings, both benevolent and malevolent. A less clear question is whether or not any of these beings are what we would call “ghosts,” the disembodied spirits of dead humans.
There are numerous mentions of “ghosts” and “spirits” and an “after-life” in the Bible. (Deuteronomy 18:9; 1 Samuel 28:7-25, Matthew 14:25-27, 2 Corinthians 4:13-18, 5:1,6-8, 11:14; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, John 10:10, 19:30, Mark 5:1-20, 15:37-39, Luke 23:46, 24:39 1 John 4:1,
There are various Christian interpretations which have been put forth:
1. “Ghosts: are demons in disguise, hoping to lure us away into error.
2. “Ghosts” are not personal beings, but are traces or ripples we leave behind in the space-time continuum., especially after intense emotional experiences.
3. “Ghosts” are what many believe them to be, the disembodied spirits of dead humans, trapped in the material and unable to “move on.”
4. “Ghosts” are the product of superstition or very “active imaginations.”
5. “Ghosts” are an utter fabrication produced by persons wishing to profit in some way from gullible people.
My own take on ghosts is that they do not exist. When we die, we immediately are in the presence of the Lord (Luke 23:43). There is nothing in the Bible about the spirits of the dead walking the Earth. The witch of Endor who called up Samuel the Prophet (1 Samuel 28) was shocked when he actually showed up. She was accustomed to dealing with someone or something else.
If ghosts did exist, Christians would have no need to fear them. We are indwelled by the Mind of Christ and demons, as well as angels, must obey us. The demon’s only other recourse would be to run away. (James 4:7)
Below are links to sites exhiiting the world’s extreme interest in ghosts and hauntings.
One United Church of Christ pastor , The Paranormal Pastor, definitely believes in ghosts:.
And, The Haunted Places Directory.
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